Did Jesus, the prophets, or the apostles promise an easy and comfortable life to those who come to Him in faith? Hardly! Both in their words and in their own lives they demonstrated that living for Jesus Christ will not be popular, and will not be free of crosses, pain, suffering, sorrow, or persecution. Jesus said that whoever comes in faith to Him will have crosses to bear as they walk in His footsteps (Matthew 16:24). Peter said that Christians were not to consider it strange when they go through fiery trials of faith (1 Peter 4:12). And we not only read of those who through faith in the Lord subdued kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, turned to flight the armies of enemies, and whose loved ones were raised from the dead, but we also read of others who trusted the Lord, but suffered greatly (Hebrews 11:35-38). Were these who passed through such great suffering less faithful than those who experienced such mighty deliverances? Absolutely not! It is in fact in the midst of such tribulation that the Lord humbles us (for we are yet proud), shows us our continual need of Christ, gives us comfort so that we can pass along to others the sympathy and comfort we have received from Him, builds patience and endurance in us, and takes our eyes off of the fading glory of this world in hope of heaven to come. Let us see how the bride of Jesus in all ages knows the heat of affliction, crosses, and persecution for Jesus Christ; and though these make her ugly, unattractive, and scorned in the sight of the world, it is this very suffering for Jesus Christ that make her beautiful in His sight.
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